The Tragic Death of Rolin Hill: A Call for Justice and Reform in Our Custody System
The tragic death of Rolin Hill, a 34-year-old man who died in custody at the Virginia Beach Correctional Center, has sent shockwaves through the local community. What began as a routine arrest for trespassing has turned into a grim reminder of the dangers individuals face within our justice system. According to the medical examiner, Rolin’s death was a result of positional and mechanical asphyxia due to restraint—a horrifying discovery that led to the termination of five Virginia Beach sheriff’s deputies. Now, the PeaceMaker Sheriff movement calls for transparency, accountability, and the immediate action necessary to ensure that such preventable tragedies never happen again.
Uncovering the Truth: What Happened to Rolin Hill in Custody
Rolin Hill’s story is deeply troubling, not just because of the circumstances surrounding his death but because of what it represents. Arrested on June 4, 2024, for trespassing at a local 7-Eleven, Hill was taken to the Virginia Beach Correctional Center. Within just 25 minutes of his booking, he experienced what was initially described as a “medical emergency.” However, this medical emergency wasn’t a simple health issue—it was the result of the force used to restrain Hill, leading to his death. The cause, as the medical examiner ruled, was homicide, and five deputies have since been fired.
Friends and family of Hill have voiced their suspicions that his treatment in jail contributed to his untimely death. They speak of a man who, while facing mental health challenges, was kind-hearted and hardworking. His death has raised pressing questions about how we treat individuals in custody—particularly those who may be struggling mentally or physically. How does someone under state care die from restraint? Why did it take the loss of life for serious action to be taken?
Schad, T. (2024, October 18). Death of VB suspect ruled homicide; 5 deputies fired. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkuiV7uGBjQ
This incident reveals the urgent need for reform in how law enforcement interacts with citizens, especially within the confines of jails and correctional facilities. The PeaceMaker Sheriff movement is built on the principles of transparency, fairness, and justice. Our mission is not just to enforce laws but to protect the dignity and rights of every individual, no matter their circumstances. Had the values of the PeaceMaker Sheriff been implemented sooner, tragedies like Rolin Hill’s death could have been prevented.
Our movement seeks to restore the role of the sheriff as a protector of the people, ensuring that law enforcement does not turn into an institution of unchecked power and abuse. The Constitution guarantees the right to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. These rights do not dissolve once a person enters a jail cell. Law enforcement must be held to the highest standards, particularly when dealing with vulnerable populations such as those facing mental health challenges. No one should have to fear for their life when in state custody.
The PeaceMaker Sheriff is a movement that actively promotes citizen oversight, transparency, and accountability in our justice system. Our goal is to shine a light on abuses of power and hold those responsible to account, ensuring that law enforcement officers are trained, compassionate, and committed to the safety and dignity of every individual. We cannot allow any more lives to be lost due to neglect, misconduct, or systemic failures.
Rise for Rolin Hill: Together, We Will Transform the System
Rolin Hill’s death stands as a tragic example of the urgent need for reform in our justice system. His life was cut short due to failures in the very institution that was supposed to protect him. The PeaceMaker Sheriff movement is dedicated to ensuring that no one else suffers this kind of injustice. Through citizen oversight, accountability, and transparency, we will create a system that upholds the dignity and rights of all individuals, regardless of their circumstances.
Now is the time to act. Join the PeaceMaker Sheriff movement to demand accountability, support Rolin’s family in their fight for justice, and work towards a system where tragedies like this never happen again. Vote for Aldo the “PeaceMaker Sheriff”, sign our petitions, volunteer, or simply stay informed—every step brings us closer to meaningful change. Take action today!
